Antikythera

How might planetary intelligence steer itself toward its own survival?
Quintin McDermott V · about 2 months ago · 5 minutes read


## A Tangible Philosophy of Computation: Investigating the Boundaries of Science and Technology**Introduction**The rapid advancement of technology has spurred a groundbreaking perspective on philosophy and its intertwined relationship with science and technology. This innovative framework focuses on understanding the profound ramifications of emergent scientific and technological advancements, particularly in the realm of computation. By pioneering theoretical and practical conceptual tools from computational media, this novel method seeks to frame new avenues of philosophical inquiry and delineate the future where science and technology coexist harmoniously within, and even transcend, the confines of the Humanities.## Computation: The Path from the Cosmos to CultureComputation, a concept deeply rooted in astrophysics, is now ubiquitous, influencing everything from social cognition to global infrastructure. The cosmologically rare phenomenon of computation was discovered through natural processes and subsequently advanced by human invention. Computational technologies are reshaping philosophies, sciences, and societies in their own image. While Turing's foundational papers presented a finite mathematical limit on computability, the evolution of computational devices and algorithms suggests that mathematical operations are mere building blocks in a vast ocean of computational possibilities.## The Significance of Planetary ComputationPlanetary computation, a transformative force, has profoundly shaped our world through data analytics, modeling, and simulations. The term encompasses both the technical apparatus and epistemological shifts it induces, yielding novel perspectives on the world and our place within it. Planetary computation has been instrumental in establishing the concept of the Anthropocene and advancing research in diverse fields, from climate science to astronomy.## Computation's Creative Role in IntelligenceComputation is not merely a passive tool; it is an active agent in shaping intelligence and cognition. Computational models and simulations have illuminated processes such as genome evolution and astronomical phenomena. Through these cognitive extensions, computational technologies have instigated a paradigm shift that challenges our understanding of computation as a purely analytical tool. Modern computation is a medium for emergent intelligence, expanding the horizons of what we consider intelligent behavior.## Computation and Philosophy: A Dynamic DuoComputation and philosophy share a common trajectory as constitutive elements of thought and symbolic reasoning. Computation offers a fresh lens through which we can interrogate traditional philosophical questions about truth, representation, and time. By integrating Artificial Intelligence studies with philosophical inquiry, we can unearth the deeper implications and social dynamics of rapidly evolving computational technologies.## The Planetary as a Humanist ConceptThe term "Planetary" emerged as a humanistic category, a product of computational tools that have rendered the planet legible. Yet, this humanist perspective risks obscuring the objective aspects of planetary existence and its broader geological history. Planetary-scale infrastructure systems, an outgrowth of computational technologies, can be seen as an extension of human agency; however, it is crucial to acknowledge the fundamental role of the planet itself in shaping these systems.## Advancing Research through Design-Driven SpeculationAntikythera, a research program at the intersection of philosophy and technology, employs speculative design methodologies to conceive, explore, and experiment with new ideas. This approach fosters an interplay between theory and practice, nurturing a conceptual vocabulary, convening thought leaders, and designing communication channels to disseminate research findings in interconnected and thought-provoking ways. Collaborative ventures with institutions such as Google/DeepMind and MIT bring diverse perspectives to the forefront. By hosting interdisciplinary design research studios and publishing a peer-reviewed digital journal, Antikythera creates platforms for intellectual exchange and rigorous inquiry.## Defining Planetary ComputationPlanetary Computation encompasses two essential dimensions:1. An evolving technical apparatus of global technological systems.2. A paradigm shift in knowledge production, whereby computational technologies reveal planetary conditions in unprecedented ways.This framework allows us to explore four key research tracks:**Synthetic Intelligence:** Artificial machine intelligence is rapidly expanding, challenging our understanding of cognition. Antikythera investigates the potential misalignment of human and machine values and the possibility of hybrid intelligent systems that transcend organic boundaries.**Recursive Simulations:** Computational simulations are becoming critical epistemological tools in diverse disciplines, fostering predictive processing and enabling the governance of complex phenomena. Antikythera examines the reflexive relationships between simulation outputs and the real world, highlighting their transformative impact on society.**Hemispherical Stacks:** The emergence of geopolitical competition and multipolar computational infrastructures has created Hemispherical Stacks – interlocking systems that delineate spheres of influence and shape global power dynamics. Antikythera explores the implications of this fragmentation for international relations and governance models.**Planetary Sapience:** The convergence of evolved and artificial intelligence raises fundamental questions about the relationship between planetary conditions and intelligence. Antikythera investigates the notion of planetary sapience, a state of self-awareness and self-governance that may be the key to shaping sustainable futures.## The Artificialization of Intelligence and LifeArtificialization, the process of transforming natural elements into artificial systems, has been an integral part of human evolution. The emergence of artificial intelligence marks a significant milestone in this trajectory, raising questions about the future of both intelligence and technology. Antikythera proposes that intelligence has been the primary driver of technological evolution, constantly seeking to transcend its own limitations. The artificialization of intelligence, therefore, is an ongoing process with far-reaching implications for life itself.## Planetary Sapience: The Path to a Viable FutureThe fragility of planetary sapience in the face of existential threats underscores the urgent need for a more informed understanding of the relationship between intelligence, life, and technology. By recognizing that these categories are interconnected and fluid, we can foster a more holistic and sustainable approach to planetary governance. The planetary reason, a cosmic perspective that encompasses both human and non-human agency, presents a pathway toward a future where complex intelligence can endure.**Conclusion**The transformative potential of planetary computation demands a paradigm shift in philosophy and engineering. The Antikythera research program spearheads this innovative approach, leveraging speculative design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and thought leadership. Through its research tracks, Antikythera interrogates the frontiers of computation, intelligence, and planetary sapience, envisioning a future where technology and intelligence synergistically navigate the intricate tapestry of planetary challenges.